Southern California - The Shopping Thread!

I actually need to bring my road bike in to get the rear wheel trued a bit and have my rear derailuer bent back into place which should cost about $10-20 at the most. I fell on top of my bike on the 4th while trying to back up so a car could get out of a driveway while one foot was still clipped in (the right foot of all things...) Needless to say, i was laying on top of my wheel and the derailuer was kissing the pavement. :( Shifts fine, rides well, but i really should get those taken care of before my next decently long recreational ride. At least i have a second bike this time. :D

I actually need to bring my road bike in to get the rear wheel trued a bit and have my rear derailuer bent back into place which should cost about $10-20 at the most. I fell on top of my bike on the 4th while trying of before my next decently long recreational ride. At least i have a second bike this time. :D

Probably the rear DR hanger. It's softer metal so that it will bend and save the DR damage. When we were in Tahoe last year, my wife stopped right in front of me and I went down on the right side also. It was about a $10-$15 fix.

Sheldon

GP 4000s!

Continental G.P.4000 Clincher Road Bike Tire on http://www.steepandcheap.com/

$27.55
56% Off, Regularly $62.96

Tivo !
http://dynamic.tivo.com/product/image/series280hrDTDVR-large1.jpg
Bought this just so I can watch the tour!

I decided to get a pair of red bibs. I hope the color isn't, umm, problematic.

Oh, and red jersey, red gloves, and black/white socks. The sock color goes with the bibs and jersey since the jersey sleves are black/white.

I finally broke down and bought my first non-retro pro team jersey. PBK has these pretty cheap, and I like the design. I know very little about the team, except for what I just read. :)


http://www.probikekit.com/_img_200x256/c1292.jpg

Also a new cassette, new chain, and some new deda bar tape.

Nice duds!

http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n205/oleanshoebox/zionedt3.jpg
Have added a bunch of new goodies to the mtb: Kenda Nevegal Tires, FSA seatpost, WTB saddle, my boss's old Fox Fork.

Have added a bunch of new goodies to the mtb: Kenda Nevegal Tires, FSA seatpost, WTB saddle, my boss's old Fox Fork.

Getting quite the good ride there!!
Now break it in!
Now come out on the 21st and join us for a Bommer canyon ride here in OC.
It's a Irvine reserve ride. I'm signed up, there's 7 spaces left!


https://www.irvineranchlandreserve.org/activities/index.asp?col=&srt=&area=&pn=3

for the fixie:

http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f57/wahoolee/redvelocityrims.jpg

for the fixie:Very nice!.......are those Formula hubs?

Very nice!.......are those Formula hubs?


yup. :D


need a white saddle and white bar tape and i'll be done with it. oh, new pedals too.

Finally got my wheels in:

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1183/748218153_1665f75286_o.jpg

http://s195.photobucket.com/albums/z64/jdidge/http://s195.photobucket.com/albums/z64/jdidge/http://i195.photobucket.com/albums/z64/jdidge/261a.jpg

well after sizing problems with the Madone 5.2 SL I bought last week, I returned it and picked up this baby. She fits me just right and is a blast to ride. Thanks to Gretsky and Paul at Jax's in HB!

Hi Jon ... very nice bike ;)

I have seen this bike in person, and she's a beauty!! Congrats again Jon!!! :beer:

http://blog.plumerimall.com/images/nutrogena_sunscreen55.jpg

Okay, some reviews of recent purchases.

Specialized Toupe (white). Who knows? I've yet to complain about any saddle, so my opinions don't really mean too much. But after one 50 mile ride, so far so good. And yes, I like how it goes nicely with my white bar tape.

Hammer Sustained Energy (unflavored). I tried it on the recommendation of the guy I trust most at the LBS. Does't taste so great (kind of like slightly spoiled milk with some flour mixed in), but it's tolerable even when it gets really hot out, which I can't say of Clif bars. It's intended to be used in high concentration (3-9 scoops per bottle) in one bottle with another bottle being used for hydration, but I've settled on using about two scoops per bottle, giving me about 240 calories per bottle. At that concentration, it's not too gross and still quite effective at hydrating. I had tried three scoops per bottle, too, but that's a bit too sweet and sticky for an only drink, and a bit gross (I'd say borderline tolerable). Gookinaid tasted far better, but if this stuff allows me to avoid eating (something I am much worse about doing, whereas I've gotten much better about hydrating), then it may be worth the taste tradeoff on big rides.

Assos FI.Mille bibs (red). My splurge purchase for my belated birthday present to myself this year is a completely new cycling outfit. I chose the Assos bib because of Vireo's recommendation and because of having chased after Happytime and staring at the orange tag Assos puts on the outside, sticking right out the butt of the bibs (guys and gals alike). So far, I really like these bibs. The chamois is noticably cushioning, and when feeling it with one's fingers or eyeballing it it seems pretty thick, yet it's not so wide so as to feel as if one's sitting on a diaper. The straps are just a bit short for me (but the next size up is way too big around the legs), but other than that one minor annoyance, it fits really really well. And the straps don't get scrunched up, so the slight excess of pressure on my shoulders is really well spread out. The bibs stretch to fit very nicely over my legs, and the gripping end section of the bibs is comfortable enough to use without shaving or wearing leg warmers underneath, so the bibs stay in place against my skin very nicely. Other than a slight bit of pressure on the shoulders and the ability to feel the tags (which I'll probably get around to cutting off), it feels like wearing nothing at all. As for the fear of looking like a member of the Polish national cycling team, it wasn't nearly as bad as I thought. Besides, I don't have to look at myself, so I don't really care.

Assos short sleeve jersey (red, full zipper). Lightweight material, fits me really well except there's a bit too much space around my gut. Holds in place nicely with a bit of grippy material on the lower section in back. It would be nice if the abdominal region were a bit more form fitting, but the light material nonetheless almost feels like wearing nothing at all, except I definitely can feel the two tags inside the jersey. Those will have to go. It's nice that there's a tiny zippered compartment on the outside that can easily fit keys and cell phone. Interestingly, the three back pockets are of differing sizes, so one must reconsider how one uses one's pockets. They're also very deep pockets.

Assos lightweight summer socks (black). When I first put it on, I wasn't a fan of a bit of a tight feeling at the top of the socks. But the rest felt very light, almost nonexistent (notice a theme?), but just enough to keep the skin of my feet from rubbing directly against the insoles of my shoes. But I think that bit of tightness (which wasn't noticeable once riding) helps keep the socks nice and snug, without moving about.

Assos fingerless gloves (red). They're really uncomfortable when my fingers are extended straight ahead. But I don't ride a bike that way, and they're actually rather comfortable on the bike. It doesn't make my hands feel all hot and sticky, which with other gloves has led me to generally ride gloveless except in cold weather. And there's some very subtle padding in just the right places, but not enough to feel like I'm squeezing a sponge. (I generally dislike squishy gloves or bar tape.) Oh, and there's these small loops sewn to the palm side of the middle and ring fingers. I haven't a clue what they're supposed to be for. I'm not at this point quite as enamored with the gloves as I am with the bibs, jersey, and socks, though. They do look nice with the rest of the outfit, however. And maybe they'll grow on me as I do longer rides with them. Or maybe not. We'll see.

Okay, some reviews of recent purchases.


Hammer Sustained Energy (unflavored). I tried it on the recommendation of the guy I trust most at the LBS. Does't taste so great (kind of like slightly spoiled milk with some flour mixed in), but it's tolerable even when it gets really hot out, which I can't say of Clif bars. It's intended to be used in high concentration (3-9 scoops per bottle) in one bottle with another bottle being used for hydration, but I've settled on using about two scoops per bottle, giving me about 240 calories per bottle. At that concentration, it's not too gross and still quite effective at hydrating. I had tried three scoops per bottle, too, but that's a bit too sweet and sticky for an only drink, and a bit gross (I'd say borderline tolerable). Gookinaid tasted far better, but if this stuff allows me to avoid eating (something I am much worse about doing, whereas I've gotten much better about hydrating), then it may be worth the taste tradeoff on big rides.



Jason
I am curious if you looked at Hammer Perpeteum as compared to Sustained Energy?

BTW..I am liking my F1.Mille shorts...think I am gonig to get the F2 bibs!

Assos FI.Mille bibs (red). ... The straps are just a bit short for me (but the next size up is way too big around the legs), but other than that one minor annoyance, it fits really really well. And the straps don't get scrunched up, so the slight excess of pressure on my shoulders is really well spread out. ...

Jason,

The Assos bibs are supposed to be a little short in the straps when standing, at least that's what Assos says.

I am curious if you looked at Hammer Perpeteum as compared to Sustained Energy?
Supposedly, Perpetuem is for the ultralong distances that I'm not about to ride, so the guy at the LBS and I decided to give Sustained Energy a try. He's given me some flavored electrolyte tablets that he thinks will help mask the taste, but I am afraid to mix the two since I think it might throw the osmotic pressure of the drink totally out of whack. (One higher concentration energy drink and a separate electrolyte drink would be okay, but requires much more discipline for fueling since the energy drink would probably taste worse than the electrolyte drink.)


The Assos bibs are supposed to be a little short in the straps when standing, at least that's what Assos says.

Didn't know that. I can still feel a bit of pressure on the shoulders when riding, but I guess a bit of pressure is needed in order for the fabric to not slide around. The real test is a long LONG ride, though... like next Sunday. 100 miles at a slacker pace... lots of weight on saddle since not much on pedals... we'll see.

Basically, we were basing our energy drink decision based on this page (http://www.e-caps.com/za/ECP?PAGE=ARTICLE&CAT=VEGGIE&ARTICLE.ID=1252). For now, I'm not adding further electrolyte supplements since there's actually a modest amount of electrolytes in the drink, but we'll see.

Costco in Fountain Valley has this -- two tubes for $13-something....


http://blog.plumerimall.com/images/nutrogena_sunscreen55.jpg

Basically, we were basing our energy drink decision based on this page (http://www.e-caps.com/za/ECP?PAGE=ARTICLE&CAT=VEGGIE&ARTICLE.ID=1252). For now, I'm not adding further electrolyte supplements since there's actually a modest amount of electrolytes in the drink, but we'll see.

I based it on this..

Comparing Sustained Energy and Perpetuem


Sustained Energy is a neutrally flavored powder. Perpetuem has an orange-vanilla "Dreamsicle" flavor.


Perpetuem contains lyso-lecithin fat, whereas Sustained Energy does not.


Perpetuem contains tribasic sodium phosphate, which is a tremendous lactic acid buffer. Sustained Energy does not contain this nutrient.


Both fuels contain l-carnosine (an antioxidant that also buffers lactic acid) l-carnitine (to promote fatty acid utilization), and chromium polynicotinate (to stabilize blood sugar level).


Perpetuem contains the new "XT" soy protein preparation, which, along with the sodium in tribasic sodium phosphate, provides a more complete mineral profile. The mineral content in a two-scoop serving of Perpetuem may allow you decrease your Endurolytes intake by one capsule per hour. Also, the "XT" soy protein contains higher isoflavone content, believed to have superb cardiovascular health benefits. Sustained Energy has soy protein and an excellent isoflavone content, but the strain used in Perpetuem has even more.

So I went with Perpetuem...I am now using that and Heed...both seem to work pretty well!

sustained energy can be made to taste ok by mixing in some espresso or choclate hammer gel..makes it taste like yoohoo....personally thats the only way i can stomach the stuff. perpetuem is much better imho. forget all the fine print as they both do almost the same thing and go wit hwhat you will actually drink! doesnt do you much good if its just sitting in the cupboard cuz you cant bring yerself to put it ina bottle!

and as for electrolytes, just use endurolyte pills(also by hammer). they work perfectly.

sustained energy can be made to taste ok by mixing in some espresso or choclate hammer gel..makes it taste like yoohoo....personally thats the only way i can stomach the stuff. perpetuem is much better imho. forget all the fine print as they both do almost the same thing and go wit hwhat you will actually drink! doesnt do you much good if its just sitting in the cupboard cuz you cant bring yerself to put it ina bottle!

and as for electrolytes, just use endurolyte pills(also by hammer). they work perfectly.

I got the electolytes in powder and just mix em in the drink...

doesnt do you much good if its just sitting in the cupboard cuz you cant bring yerself to put it ina bottle!
That's why I'm trying new stuff. In hot weather, the Clif bars just sit in my pocket and do not get eaten. I may have to try your ideas for improving taste.

I have the Perpetuem; never tried sustained energy. Jason, let me know if you want to try it and compare. Orange-cream flavored == good when cold, acceptable when warm, and really awful when hot.

I think the Hammer suggests it for "long-distance rides" and "6+ hours"; and for me, a century takes 6+ hrs. :p

I'll add it to the list of stuff I'm supposed to bum off of you...

chain tools (and knowledge of how to replace a chain) -- still waiting for my chain to wear out
Simple Green (and similar cleaners)
Perpetuem
rollers (gotta make a fool of myself)

Am I forgetting anything?

Costco in Fountain Valley has this -- two tubes for $13-something....
Awesome! Thanks for the heads up!! :beer:

Just got back from performance
new chain
2 polar bottles...on sale for $8.97 ea btw!!
some cliff blocks to try...

Costco in Fountain Valley has this -- two tubes for $13-something....

Wow...you dont have to buy a 55gal drum :eek: ...good deal!!

So I went with Perpetuem...I am now using that and Heed...both seem to work pretty well!
Very good write up Herb, thank you!
I am also using, and very much liking Perpetuem, along with Hammer Bars :beer:

Very good write up Herb, thank you!
I am also using, and very much liking Perpetuem, along with Hammer Bars :beer:


The taste is a bit funky...but definitely tolerable...Heed tastes a bit better....but they both seem to work pretty well for me
Heed for the first hr or 2 then Perpetuem and water for the longer distances...

Awesome! I will have to pick up some Heed as well! I was reading about it, and now I think you just sold me on it :)
I have been using Cytomax, or Accelerade for my shorter rides, but will give Heed a shot :beer:

I rarely use liquid fuel... but when I do (long, climbing rides), I have been very pleased with Perpetuem. I like it enough that I've bought a few other hammer products to try. They are a bit on the pricey side, but I use them infrequently enough that it's not a major expense.

Awesome! I will have to pick up some Heed as well! I was reading about it, and now I think you just sold me on it :)
I have been using Cytomax, and Accelerade for my shorter rides, but will give Heed a shot :beer:

I never tried Cytomax...but I found Accelerade to gritty...
I was using Gu20 and eFuel...I really like the eFuel...its in liquid form and mixes very easily...but is a bit pricey...
I had been hearing good things about Hammer stuff...I always liked their gels...so I am pretty happy...
I will pm you some info in a bit

I will pm you some info in a bit
Awesome! Thanks in advance!! :)

:sigh:

I just buy powdered Gatorade at Vons...it was on sale this weekend.

Taking a chance. My LG tri kit is XS, but I'm hoping I can fit into a small size of these.

http://www.teamestrogen.com/images/products/LG-1058091-020_xlg.jpg

^^ Very nice!!

^^ Very nice!!
+1

And before you guys say anything (yeah, you Mo!)... I DO intend wearing a jersey over it.

;)


You already know me so well...I was < > that close.

My favorite part of that picture is that the 'artiste' added shading to the badonkadonk.

Wow...you dont have to buy a 55gal drum :eek: ...good deal!!Come to think of it, 55gal drum may make it easy to apply the sunscreen. Just jump into the drum then crawl out. :lol:

Ordered 3 boxes of Clif Shot Bloks today from All Star Health (tip from Joy)

I found these much more palatable on hot days than Clif Bars.

Just bought these wheels:

http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1297844

http://www.camotoy.com/subaru/images/exterior/IMG_4099.JPG

Woohoo!

[i'll probably repaint them eventually, but i'd like to see what lime green looks like with yellow first] :lol:

Now to find time to make a trip out to Santa Barbara to go pick them up...

Two Ascent Carbon Fiber Cages (30g each, $15.00 each, free shipping).

Total to SoCal: $33.00

Wow...you dont have to buy a 55gal drum :eek: ...good deal!!

No, that's the Miracle Whip. But it has an SPF of zero, I discovered.